Computerized data processing systems and methods for generating  graphical user interfaces

ABSTRACT

Computer-implemented systems and methods generate dynamic and interactive user interfaces. In one embodiment, a computerized system includes a user interface and at least one processor configured to receive data related to at least a first request of a department, receive data related to positioning of a plurality of employees of the department, and data indicative of equipment in the possession of the plurality of employees, generate an assignment for at least one employee based on the received data, provide for display at the at least one user interface, an interactive graphical user interface indicative of the assignment to the at least one employee, the graphical user interface including elements for indicating a status of the assignment. The at least one processor monitors whether the assignment has been accepted, and determines whether the assignment has been completed, based in part on interaction with the graphical user interface.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.62/292,935, filed Feb. 9, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety in the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein generally relates to electronic dataprocessing systems that generate and provide graphical user interfaces(GUIs) in a centralized communication system, using real time datacollected from a plurality of networked sources. More particularly,disclosed embodiments are directed to centralized communication systemsfor generating automated electronic messages in a facility based ondetected events. The data processing system may automate one or moreprocesses in response to the detected events and automaticallydistribute electronic messages to a plurality of networked devices.

BACKGROUND

Modern hospitals treat and discharge hundreds of patients every day,requiring frequent transportation of patients, equipment, and otheritems between points in the hospital. Every minute of time lost becauseof insufficient workflow significantly impacts the hospital'sperformance and the patient's health.

Traditional hospital management is time consuming, prone to error, andsignificantly underutilizes the capabilities of each department.Different hospital units and departments often lack sufficientcommunication systems. Traditional techniques involve telephone-basedmanual reporting of an event and/or manual requests for transport,usually through phone calls between individuals in the facility. Forexample, in traditional systems, a requester may place a telephone callto a phone number, and request a transport service or provideinformation about a transport status. The requester may interact with acomputerized interactive voice response (IVR) system, which thenprocesses the received information for review by a dispatcher toidentify and direct a transporter in response to the request or event,or manually queue the request to be assigned automatically. Currentsystems rely solely on information received during a manual telephonecall, which can be sporadic and/or untimely, and can include incorrectinformation. Moreover, because traditional systems rely on telephonecalls and IVR-based processing, traditional systems often experiencevery high call volumes which strain communication networks in thefacility. In many instances, unnecessary and redundant calls alsoincrease network strain, and traditional systems usually result inoverloaded telephone lines and missed requests, thereby degrading thequality and speed of transport of patients and equipment.

In view of the technical deficiencies of current systems discussedabove, there is a need for improved systems and methods centralizedreal-time event detection and communication.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for centralizedcommunication and generating graphical user interfaces based onreal-time data for managing transportation of patients and/or itemsthroughout a medical facility such as a hospital.

Consistent with the present embodiments, a computerized system isdisclosed. The computerized system may include: at least one userinterface; at least one processor; and a storage medium comprisinginstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor,generates a graphical user interface at the at least one user interface,by: receiving, at the at least one processor, a first set of datarelated to at least a first request of a department; receiving, with theat least one processor, a second set of data related to positioning of aplurality of employees of the department and equipment in the possessionof the plurality of employees; generating, with the at least oneprocessor, an assignment for at least one employee based on the firstset of data and the second set of data; displaying, at the at least oneuser interface, the graphical user interface indicative of theassignment to the at least one employee; monitoring, with the at leastone processor, whether the assignment has been accepted; anddetermining, with the at least one processor, whether the assignment hasbeen completed.

Consistent with the present embodiments, a computerized method forgenerating a graphical user interface is disclosed. The computerizedmethod may include: receiving, at the at least one processor, a firstset of data related to at least a first request of a department;receiving, with the at least one processor, a second set of data relatedto positioning of a plurality of employees of the department andequipment in the possession of the plurality of employees; generating,with the at least one processor, an assignment for at least one employeebased on the first set of data and the second set of data; displaying,at the at least one user interface, the graphical user interfaceindicative of the assignment to the at least one employee; monitoring,with the at least one processor, whether the assignment has beenaccepted; and determining, with the at least one processor, whether theassignment has been completed.

Consistent with other disclosed embodiments, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage media may store program instructions, whichare executed by at least one processor device and perform any of themethods described herein.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 depicts an example of a system environment for managing transportwithin a hospital, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a computer terminal, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an example of a user device, consistent with embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a network server, consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of a transport tracking process,consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of steps of the exemplary transporttracking process of FIG. 5, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example of a user interface, consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example of a mobile device userinterface, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a job status mobile deviceuser interface, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example of a push notification mobiledevice user interface, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examplesof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosedherein. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system 100 that may be configured to performone or more software processes that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, perform methods consistent with disclosed embodiments. Thecomponents and arrangements shown in FIG. 1 are not intended to limitthe disclosed embodiments, as the components used to implement thedisclosed processes and features may vary.

As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include a facility server 130, acomputer terminal 140, an administration terminal 145, a user device120, a network server 160, a third party server 170, and a database 180.The components of system 100 may communicate directly, through a network150, through a local network 110, or through a combination ofcommunications methods. In some embodiments, local network 110, facilityserver 130, computer terminal 140, administration terminal 145, and userdevice 120 may be physically disposed within a facility such as ahospital or office building (e.g. a facility system 102) while network150, network server 160, third party server 170, and database 180 may beexternal to the facility. Other components known to one of ordinaryskill in the art may be included in system 100 to perform tasksconsistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, in someembodiments, facility system 102 may include one or more sensor deviceslocated throughout the facility to monitor one or more conditions suchas occupancy, temperature, humidity, proximity, and other parametersindicative of a status or condition of a bed, room, area, equipment, orsupplies. Additionally, in some embodiments facility system 102 mayinclude one or more wireless receivers (not shown) configured to detectone or more wireless sensor or locating tags, to track a location of atagged item and/or person, or a condition about the tagged item and/orperson. The wireless receivers may be configured to detect objects andreceive information through radiofrequency, infrared,radiofrequency-infrared hybrid, optical, ultrasound, Bluetooth™, and/orbarcode.

Computer terminal 140 may be a standalone device disposed in an office,a room, an employee station, or an alternative central location in aworkplace. In some embodiments, computer terminal 140 may be a desktopor notebook computer, a flat panel or projected display, or any otherdisplay. In some embodiments, computer terminal 140 may be associatedwith a particular room in a facility, such as a particular patient room,hotel room, conference room, or any other type of room. Thus, a messagereceived from a computer terminal 140 may automatically associate themessage with the room in which computer terminal 140 is installed.

Administrator terminal 145 may include a computer system or a deviceassociated with a user 125 that manages or oversees a portion offacility system 102. For example, administrator terminal 145 maycomprise a computer system located at a head nurse station, atransporter dispatch station, or any other department manager's officeor station.

User 125 may be one or more individuals associated with the patient orone or more items to be transported. Users 125 may operate computerterminal 140, user device 120, and/or another computer (not shown) tointeract with system 100. Users 125 may be individuals located withinand/or outside of the facility system 102, for example, transportersresponsible for transporting patients and/or items. For example, users125 may include physicians and nurses within the facility responsiblefor transporting the patients to different units. Users 125 may alsoinclude one or more individuals who are responsible for assignments,such as transporting patients and/or items throughout a hospital (e.g.,facility 102). For example, users 125 may include doctors, nurses,porters, escorts, and/or volunteers. Users 125 may further includeindividuals outside of facility system 102, such as people with personalrelationships with the patients (e.g. family members) and referringindividuals (e.g. outside physicians and medics).

System 100 may be customizable and provide individualized access foreach user 125. For example, in some embodiments, only certain users 125,such as physicians and nurses, may be allowed to generate transportrequests. In some embodiments, one or more users 125, such as thepatient's primary physician, may be required to authorize all requests.Users 125 solely responsible for specific tasks, such as a transportassignment, may have access limited to perform their responsibilities.It is also contemplated that some users 125, such as family members, mayhave read-only access.

User device 120 may be a personal computing device such as, for example,a general purpose or notebook computer, a mobile device with computingability, a tablet, smartphone, wearable device such as Google Glass™ orsmart watches, or any combination of these computers and/or affiliatedcomponents. In some embodiments, user device 120 may be a computersystem or mobile computer device that is operated by user 125. In someembodiments, user device 120 may be associated with a particularindividual such as user 125, such that messages and/or task assignmentsdirected toward user 125 are sent to user device 120. In someembodiments, user device 120 may communicate with facility server 130and/or network server 160 via direct wireless communication links (notshown), or via a combination of one or more of local network 110 and/ornetwork 150.

Facility server 130 may be operated by a facility such as a hospital.Facility server 130 may enable communication within a computer-basedsystem including computer system components such as desktop computers,workstations, tablets, hand held computing devices, memory devices,and/or internal network(s) connecting the components.

Network 150 may comprise any type of computer networking arrangementused to exchange data. For example, network 150 may be the Internet, aprivate data network, virtual private network using a public network,and/or other suitable connection(s) that enables system 100 to send andreceive information between the components of system 100. Network 150may also include a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) and/or awireless cellular network.

Local network 110 may comprise any type of computer networkingarrangement used to exchange data in a localized area, such as WiFi,Bluetooth™ Ethernet, and other suitable short-range connections thatenable computer terminal 140 and user device 120 to send and receiveinformation between the components of system 100. In some embodiments,local network 110 may be excluded, and computer terminal 140 and userdevice 120 may communicate with system 100 components via network 150.In some embodiments, computer terminal 140 and/or user device 120 maycommunicate with one or more system 100 components via a direct wired orwireless connection.

Network server 160, third party server 170, and database 180 may be oneor more servers or storage services provided by an entity such as aprovider of networking, cloud, or backup services. For example, in someembodiments, network server 160 may be associated with a cloud computingservice such as Microsoft Azure™ or Amazon Web Services™. In suchembodiments, network server 160 may comprise a plurality ofgeographically distributed computing systems executing software forperforming one or more functions of the disclosed methods. Additionally,in some embodiments, third party server 170 may be associated with amessaging service, such as, for example, Apple Push NotificationService™, Azure Mobile Services™, or Google Cloud Messaging™. In suchembodiments, third party server 170 may handle the delivery of messagesand notifications related to functions of the disclosed embodiments,such as task creation, task assignment, task alerts, and task completionmessages and notifications.

In some embodiments, system 100 may include configurations that varyfrom the example shown in FIG. 1, which illustrates a facility system102 working in concert with a cloud computing system including networkserver 160, third party server 170, and database 180. As a firstvariation, system 100 may include only facility system 102, and thus mayexclude cloud computing components such as network server 160, thirdparty server 170, and database 180. In such embodiments, facility system102 may handle substantially all operations and functions of the presentembodiments. As a second variation, system 100 may exclude components offacility system 102 such as facility server 130. In such embodiments, acloud computing system including network server 160, third party server170, and/or database 180 may handle some or all computing andmessage-related functions of the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of computer terminal 140, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. As shown, computer terminal 140 may include adisplay 210, one or more processors 220, input/output (“I/O”) devices230, a transceiver 240, and memory 250.

Display 210 may include one or more screens for displaying taskmanagement information such as, for example, liquid crystal display(LCD), plasma, cathode ray tube (CRT), or projected screens

Processor 220 may be one or more known processing devices, such asmicroprocessors manufactured by Intel™ or AMD™ or licensed by ARM.Processor 220 may constitute a single core or multiple core processorsthat executes parallel processes simultaneously. For example, processor220 may be a single core processor configured with virtual processingtechnologies. In certain embodiments, processor 220 may use logicalprocessors to simultaneously execute and control multiple processes.Processor 220 may implement virtual machine technologies, or other knowntechnologies to provide the ability to execute, control, run,manipulate, store, etc. multiple software processes, applications,programs, etc. In another embodiment, processor 220 may include amultiple-core processor arrangement (e.g., dual, quad core, etc.)configured to provide parallel processing functionalities to allowcomputer terminal 140 to execute multiple processes simultaneously. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would understand that other types ofprocessor arrangements could be implemented that provide for thecapabilities disclosed herein.

I/O devices 230 may include one or more devices that allow computerterminal 140 to receive input from one or more users 125. I/O devices230 may include, for example, one or more pointing devices, keyboards,buttons, switches, touchscreen panels, cameras, barcode scanners, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag reader, and/or microphones.

Transceiver 240 may include one or more communication modules forestablishing communication between computer terminal 140 and otherdevices of system 100 via, for example, local network 110 and/or network150. For example, transceiver 240 may include circuitry and one or moreantennas for communicating wirelessly with local network 110 using ashort range/near-field wireless communication protocol such asBluetooth™, Bluetooth™ LE, WiFi, and Zigbee. Further, transceiver 240may communicate with network 150 and/or local network 110 using anyknown network protocol including any form of wired or wireless internetaccess.

Memory 250 may include a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic,semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type ofstorage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readablemedium that stores one or more program(s) 252, such as app(s) 254, anddata 256. Data 256 may include, for example, hospital information,patient information, user information, task information, and displaysettings and preferences. For example, data 256 may include informationrelated to patients and items to be transported, data 256 may alsoinclude information related to staff scheduling. In some embodiments,data 256 may further include one or more rules for analyzing andgenerating a task, such as a transportation assignment.

Program(s) 252 may include operating systems (not shown) that performknown operating system functions when executed by one or moreprocessors. By way of example, the operating systems may includeMicrosoft Windows™, Unix™, Linux ™, Apple™ operating systems, PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA) type operating systems, such as Microsoft CE™ orother types of operating systems. Accordingly, disclosed embodiments mayoperate and function with computer systems running any type of operatingsystem. Computer terminal 140 may also include communication softwarethat, when executed by a processor, provides communications with network150 and/or local network 110, such as Web browser software, tablet, orsmart hand held device networking software, etc.

Program(s) 252 may also include app(s) 254, such as a transportationmanagement app, which when executed causes computer terminal 140 toperform processes related to managing, analyzing, prioritizing, andscheduling transportation assignments. For example, app(s) 254 mayconfigure computer terminal 140 to perform operations including, forexample, one or more of receiving transportation requests, receivingdata from a variety of other sources, analyzing and generating atransportation assignment, monitoring the transportation assignment, andgenerating GUIs for users 125 that monitor and/or perform thetransportation assignments.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an exemplary user device 120, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. As shown, user device 120 may include display310, I/O device(s) 320, processor 330, memory 340 having stored thereondata 346 and one or more programs 342, such as app(s) 344, sensor(s)350, and antenna 360.

Display 310 may include one or more devices for displaying information,including but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCD), lightemitting diode (LED) screens, organic light emitting diode (OLED)screens, and other known display devices.

I/O devices 320 may include one or more devices that allow mobile device120 to send and receive information. I/O devices 320 may include, forexample, a pointing device, keyboard, buttons, switches, and/or atouchscreen panel. I/O devices 320 may also include one or morecommunication modules (not shown) for sending and receiving informationvia antenna 360 from other components in system 100 by, for example,establishing wired or wireless connectivity between user device 120 tolocal network 110, network 150, or by establishing direct wired orwireless connections between user device 120 and other components ofsystem 100. Direct connections may include, for example, Bluetooth™,Bluetooth LE™, WiFi, near field communications (NFC), or other knowncommunication methods which provide a medium for transmitting databetween separate devices.

Processor(s) 330 may be one or more known computing devices, such asthose described with respect to processor 220 in FIG. 2.

Memory 340 may be a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor,tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type of storage deviceor tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readable medium such asthose described with respect to memory 250 in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, user device 120 may contain one or more sensors 350for collecting environmental, movement, and/or security data. Sensors350 may include: one or more environmental sensors such as, for example,ambient light sensors, microphones, temperature sensors, and humiditysensors; motion detectors such as, for example, GPS receivers,location-based data receivers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes; andsecurity sensors such as, for example, fingerprint readers, retinascanners, and other biometric sensors capable of use for security andindividual identification. In some embodiments, processor 330 may usedata collected by sensors 350 to control or modify functions ofprogram(s) 342.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of an exemplary network server 160, consistentwith disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, network server 160 maysupport or provide a cloud computing service, such as Microsoft Azure™or Amazon Web Services™. In such embodiments, network server 160 mayinclude one or more distributed computer systems capable of performingdistributed computing functions and providing cloud computing servicesand functions consistent with disclosed embodiments. In someembodiments, network server 160 may operate in conjunction with facilityserver 130. In other embodiments, network server 160 may operate alone,and facility server 130 may be replaced by a network connection tonetwork 150 and/or local network 110. In such embodiments, networkserver 160 may perform all functions associated with the disclosedmethods. In other embodiments, facility server 130 may operate alone,without network server 160. In such embodiments, facility system 102 mayoperate as a standalone system, in which facility server 130 performsall functions associated with the disclosed methods. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the computing arrangements are notlimited to these examples, and that other embodiments may include one ormore alternate configurations of computing systems capable of performingfunctions associated with the disclosed embodiments.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may connect to multiplefacilities located in different geographical locations. In suchembodiments, network server 160 may manage tasks that span acrossmultiple facilities, such as transporting patients between facilities.Additionally, network server 160 may collect data from multiple units toevaluate performance times in different units, and improve the accuracyof expected completion times for different types of tasks using one ormore data regression algorithms.

As shown in FIG. 4, network server 160 may include one or moreprocessor(s) 420, input/output (“I/O”) devices 430, memory 440 storingprograms 442 (including, for example, server app(s) 444 and operatingsystem 446) and data 448, and a database 470. Network server 160 may bea single server or may be configured as a distributed computer systemincluding multiple servers or computers that interoperate to perform oneor more of the processes and functionalities associated with thedisclosed embodiments.

Processor(s) 420 may be one or more known computing devices, such asthose described with respect to processor 220 in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may also include one or more I/Odevices 430 including interfaces for receiving signals or input fromdevices and providing signals or output to one or more devices thatallow data to be received and/or transmitted by network server 160. Forexample, network server 160 may include interface components, which mayprovide interfaces to one or more input devices, such as one or morekeyboards, mouse devices, and the like, that enable network server 160to receive input from one or more users 125 that is associated withfacility system 102.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may include one or more storagedevices configured to store information used by processor 420 (or othercomponents) to perform certain functions related to the disclosedembodiments. In one example, network server 160 may include memory 440that includes instructions to enable processor 420 to execute one ormore applications, such as server applications, an electronictransaction application, an account status application, networkcommunication processes, and any other type of application or softwareknown to be available on computer systems. Additionally oralternatively, the instructions, application programs, etc. may bestored in an internal database 470 or external database 180 (shown inFIG. 1) in communication with network server 160, such as one or moredatabase or memory accessible over network 150. Database 470 or otherexternal storage may be a volatile or non-volatile, magnetic,semiconductor, tape, optical, removable, non-removable, or other type ofstorage device or tangible (i.e., non-transitory) computer-readablemedium.

In one embodiment, network server 160 may include memory 440 thatincludes instructions that, when executed by processor 420, perform oneor more processes consistent with the functionalities disclosed herein.Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with disclosedembodiments are not limited to separate programs or computers configuredto perform dedicated tasks. For example, network server 160 may includememory 440 that may include one or more programs 442 to perform one ormore functions of the disclosed embodiments. Moreover, processor 420 mayexecute one or more programs located remotely from account informationdisplay system 100. For example, network server 160 may access one ormore remote programs, that, when executed, perform functions related todisclosed embodiments.

Programs 442 stored in memory 440 and executed by processor(s) 420 mayinclude one or more server app(s) 452 and operating system 454. Serverapp(s) 452 may incorporate one or more apps to perform operationsincluding, for example, one or more of receiving transportationrequests, receiving data from a variety of other sources, analyzing andgenerating a transportation assignment, monitoring the transportationassignment, and generating GUIs for users 125 responsible for assigningtransportation requests and transporters. In some embodiments, programs442 may also include instructions that may be executed by processor 420to perform a real time locating system (RTLS) through one or morewireless receivers of facility system 102. Processor 420 may utilizedata from a RTLS to determine, either predictively or on demand, theexact proximity (such as a distance or travelling time) of employees(e.g., users 125) from patients, items to be moved, and/or equipmentthat facilitates the transportation. For example, processor 420 may beconfigured to utilize a RTLS to identify and track tagged objects andpeople, and conditions of thereof. For example, objects and/or peoplemay be equipped with a badge/tag that emits an RFID signal that may bedetected by the wireless receivers of facility system 102. In someembodiments, processor 420 may detect the locations of patients anddetermine their statuses. For instance, processor 420 may determine thatthe patient is still occupying a bed when patient is located in oraround the bed. Processor 420 may also determine if the patient has beendischarged, for example, by determining that the patient is in a lobbyof facility system 102 for a certain period of time. Processor 420 mayalso track employees (e.g., users 125) by tracking GPS data of userdevices 120. For example, processor 420 may determine the location ofemployees, based on a floor, a department, and/or a room. Based on thelocation and a direction of movement, processor 420 may determinewhether an employee is currently on a transport assignment, moving to apick-up for a transport assignment, moving away from a drop-off for atransport assignment, and/or transitioning between transportassignments. In some embodiments, the RTLS data may be processed todetermine derived data. For example, the RTLS data may be processed todetermine derived data, such as speed, acceleration, efficiency, and/orfrequent locations. Processor 420 may store the RTLS data and deriveddata, for example, in database 470 to be later accessed for methods ofthis disclosure.

In some embodiments, memory 440 may store data 448 including dataassociated with hospitals, units, patients, employees, tasks, assets,assignment algorithms, and any other data related to the disclosedembodiments. For example, data 448 may include one or more entriesincluding information pertaining to employees (e.g., users 125)including identification, scheduled work assignments, personal traits,capabilities, and preferences. Data 448 may also include informationpertaining to patients, such as identification, scheduled medicalevents, medical history, and other personal traits. Data 448 may furtherinclude information pertaining to objects, such as size, weight,previous locations, and most common locations. In some embodiments, data448 may be stored in database 470, memory 440, memory 250, memory 340,database 180, and any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, memory 440 and database 470 may include one or morememory devices that store data and instructions used to perform one ormore features of the disclosed embodiments. Memory 440 and database 470may also include any combination of one or more databases controlled bymemory controller devices (e.g., server(s), etc.) or software, such asdocument management systems, Microsoft SQL databases, SharePointdatabases, Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, or other relationaldatabases.

Network server 160 may communicate with one or more remote memorydevices (e.g., third-party server 170 and/or database 180) throughnetwork 150 or a different network (not shown). The remote memorydevices may be configured to store information and may be accessedand/or managed by network server 160. By way of example only, the remotememory devices may be document management systems, Microsoft SQLdatabase, SharePoint databases, Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, orother relational databases. Systems and methods consistent withdisclosed embodiments, however, are not limited to separate databases oreven to the use of a database.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary transport tracking process 500.Process 500 may expedite the transportation and monitoring of patientsand/or items throughout a system (e.g., facility system 102). Process500 is described herein as performed primarily by network server 160,however in some embodiments, facility server 130, computer terminal 140,administrator terminal 145, user device 120, and/or third party server170 may perform one or more steps of process 500.

Process 500 may be performed with other applications and/or components,and receive data from a number of different sources. In someembodiments, process 500 may be used in conjunction with one or moreapp(s) performed by at least one of network server 160, facility server130, computer terminal 140, administrator terminal 145, user device 120,and/or third party server 170. For example, network server 160 may beconfigured to perform process 500 in conjunction with apps, such asemployee time entry, real-time patient placement, bed tracking, and/orworkflow management. Accordingly, the data received in process 500 maybe generated by the apps.

Process 500 may begin in step 502 when network server 160 receives andprocesses data related to a requested task. In some embodiments, thedata may relate to the transportation of one or more patient(s) and/oritem(s) in a hospital (e.g., facility system 102). For example, theitems may include wheelchairs, beds, IV poles, laboratory samples,and/or tissue transplants. In some embodiments, the requests may includepatients/items transported between rooms, floors, units, and/orhospitals. The request may be generated by data from one or more of userdevice 120, computer terminal 140, administration terminal 145, anintercom, and/or a station phone of facility system 102.

In some embodiments, the received data of step 502 may include detailedinformation of a patient, such as a name, an identifying number, an age,date of birth, a condition, current location, visit number, medicalrecord number (MRN), and/or any additional information pertinent to thepatient. For example, the received data may indicate whether the patienthas any transmittable diseases (e.g., MRSA) that require additionalcare. For items, the received data may include the type of the item, thesize of the item, and the weight of the item. The received data may alsoinclude a current location of and/or one or more destinations of thetransportation. The received data may further include a desired mode oftravel or any requirements of a user 125 to perform the transportation.For example, the received data may indicate whether the patient requiresa wheel chair or bed for the requested transport. The received data mayalso include whether the patient/item needs automobile transportation(e.g., an ambulance), for example, from facility system 102 to anotherfacility system 102. The received data may include the priority of therequest, for example, “low”, “medium”, or “high”. The received data mayalso include information of the requester, such as name, contactinformation, and department.

In step 504, network server 160 may receive additional data related tothe patient/item of step 502 and/or one or more user(s) 125 that may beassigned to the requested task, as further depicted in FIG. 6. Theadditional data may be received from a number of different sources overa network, such as local network 110 and/or network 150. For example,the additional data may be received from app(s) performed by at leastone of network server 160, facility server 130, computer terminal 140,administration terminal 145, user device 120, and/or third party server170.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may receive a master queue,including related and/or unrelated assignments from database 180, orfrom any other memory associated with components of system 100. Forexample, the master queue may include previous and currenttransportation requests. The master queue may also include the previoustransportation assignments. The master queue may further include apriority of each of the current requests. For example, each of thecurrent requests may include a real-time numerical priority based on,for example, a destination, a status, a wait time, and/or otherconditions. The priority may be continuously monitored and updated basedon a change in conditions. In some embodiments, the priority may bebased on a numerical scale (e.g., on a range of 1-10) indicating therelative need for the request. In some embodiments, the priority may bebased on a location and/or destination of the transportation. Forexample, a first patient requested to be transported to X-ray may have ahigher priority (e.g., an 8 on the scale) than a second patientrequested to be discharged (e.g., a 6 on the scale). Accordingly,network server 160 may assign a user 125 to the transportation of thefirst patient prior to the second patient. In some embodiments, thepriority may be based on a personal trait (e.g., age) and/or a medicalhistory of the patient. In some embodiments, the priority may increaseor decrease, for example, based on a wait-time of the patient or apendency of the task being longer than a predetermined period of time.For example, the priority may increase every 5 minutes of wait-time,such that a patient that has been waiting for a longer period of timemay have a higher priority. In some embodiments, the priority maydecrease based on the pendency of other requests with higher priority.For example, the priority of each patient may be relative based on thenumber of patients that are requested to be transported. In someembodiments, the priority may be manually changed by an authorized userwith appropriate rights, such as by an authorized user through userdevice 120 and/or administration terminal 145.

In some embodiment, network server 160 may receive additionalpatient/item information from database 180, or from any other memoryassociated with components of system 100. For example, the data mayinclude any relevant information not received in step 502. The data mayalso include the status of one or more patients, including an indicationof any medication or scheduled surgery. For instance, the data mayindicate the patient recently was in surgery and currently under ananesthetic. The data may also indicate the size and shape of items andany special considerations based on the inputted type of item. Forexample, network server 160 may access the size and shape of the itemaccording to look-up tables stored in one or more of database 180,memory 250, memory 340, and database 470. Network server 160 may alsoaccess scheduled information for the item to determine, for example,whether the item has recently been in contact with a patient having atransmittable disease (e.g., MRSA).

In some embodiments, network server 160 may receive employee (e.g., user125) information from database 180, or from any other memory associatedwith components of system 100. In some embodiments, employee informationmay include one or more attributes associated with users 125 of thefacility. For example, employee information may include a job title,certifications, qualifications, skill sets, dates and times scheduled towork, expected location of work, expected current location, detectedcurrent location, tasks currently assigned to user 125, a status of theassigned tasks, and performance data related to previous tasks. The datamay also include information on whether user 125 is expected to becurrently or recently in possession of any items, such as a wheel chair.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may receive positioning datafrom database 180, or from any other memory associated with componentsof system 100. For example, in some embodiments, the positioning datamay be based on scheduling data indicative of one or more scheduledlocations of a patient, item, or employee (e.g., user 125). Thepositioning data may also include RTLS data indicative of a detectedreal-time location of a patient, item, or employee. The positioning datamay further include inputted data, such as previously determinedlocations of the patient, item, or employee. For example, that data mayinclude one or more locations that the patient, item, or employee hasbeen checked in. The current location may then be estimated based onscheduling data. In some embodiments, network server 160 may alsogenerate positioning data in the form of behavioral data for thepatient, item, or employee based on the received positioning data. Forexample, network server 160 may generate predictive models in an attemptto determine where the patient, item, or employee is located atdifferent times of the day. Network server 160 may also update thepredictive models based on additional received data.

In step 506, network server 160 may analyze and generate an assignmentbased on data from steps 502 and 504. In some embodiments, networkserver 160 may perform one or more processes to assign a task to anemployee as further depicted in FIG. 6. The processes may be based onadditional data accessed, for example, from look-up tables stored in oneor more of database 180, memory 250, memory 340, and database 470.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may process data of therequested task of step 502 to determine one or more qualified employeesfor the request. For instance, network server 160 may access look-uptables to determine the required a job title, certifications, skillsets, skills required to complete the requested task. Network server 160may also access employee information of step 504 and determine one ormore employees suitable for the requested task. In some embodiments,network server 160 may generate a ranking of employees based on thequalifications for the job.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may batch items based on arelated characteristic. For example, network server 160 may batch aplurality of items based on proximity of a current location and/or adestination. Network server 160 may also batch the items based on type.In some embodiments, network server 160 may identify one or more itemshaving similar characteristics, and generate one or more transport taskshaving multiple items of similar characteristics. Common characteristicsmay include, for example, a common origin or destination location,properties of the items that allow multiple similar items to traveltogether, close times of entry requests, and similar request priorities.In some embodiments, the similarity between item characteristics may bedetermined by determining whether the characteristics are within apredetermined amount of difference.

As an example of batch processing, network server 160 may group aplurality of tissue samples in a single transportation request based onthe tissue samples being currently located in a common room or area. Asingle transporter may then deliver the tissue samples from commonroom/area to a plurality of locations. Network server 160 may also groupa plurality of tissue samples to a transporter based on a commondestination. For example, network server 160 may generate an assignmentto the transporter to pick up tissue samples from different locationsand deliver to a commoner room/area. Network server 160 may batch itemson a temporally based on a current location and/or destination. Forexample, network server 160 may generate a second task for an employeebased on a destination of a previously assigned first task ensuring aseamless transition from the first task to the second task. Networkserver 160 may also batch items based on other aspects of the masterqueue. For instance, if an expected wait time for an item is higher thana predetermined threshold, network server 160 may increase a range ornumber of items to be batched. For example, the predetermined thresholdmay be based on an urgency of the item. Perishable times, such as humantissue, may have a reduced predetermined threshold compared tonon-perishable items, such as a wheel chair. Items may also be batchedbased on priority associated with the items. Batching items may increaseefficiency and reduce unnecessary duplication of transportation tasks.

In some embodiments, network server 160 may also process the data toperform equipment matching. For example, in some embodiments, networkserver 160 may match an employee (e.g., user 125) who has equipment inhand, with a job that requires that equipment. For instance, networkserver 160 may determine that the employee recently completed a jobwhere they used a wheelchair, such as returning a patient to their bed,and the employee now has an empty wheelchair. Network server 160 maydetermine that the employee has completed the job by, for example,receiving an indication of the completed job through user device 120, orby determining that the employee is located at the completed jobdestination location. Network server 160 may generate a new assignmentin light of this information. For example, network server 160 may assigna high priority factor for the employee for jobs where a wheelchair isneeded. In some embodiments, network server 160 may also access RTLSdata to determine the locations of one or more wheelchairs relative tothe employees (e.g., users 125). Network server 160 may then compare thelocation of the one or more wheelchairs to current or previously knownlocations of employees to determine relative distances. In someembodiments, network server 160 may determine whether the employee is inpossession of the item based on a relative distance being less than apredetermined distance. Network server 160 may assign the requestedtasks based on the equipment matching.

In some embodiments, step 506 may be performed at the desired time ofexecution and/or when the user(s) 125 is considered available. Forexample, step 506 may be performed to assign a single task to theemployee at the time of execution. Assigning the tasks in real-timewould enhance efficiency by ensuring that user(s) 125 is at the desiredposition at the desired time of execution. Network server 160 may alsoprovide a more accurate assignment for user(s) 125 based on the currentavailability and position.

In step 508, network server 160 may generate a GUI for one or moreselected user(s) 125. The selected user(s) 125 may include one or moreuser(s) 125 that are responsible for the task (e.g., transporting apatient and/or object). The selected user(s) 125 may be notified in anumber of different manners, including a call, a text message, a pushnotification, a message within an app, and/or an email. Network server160 may transmit the notification to user(s) 125 through one or more ofuser device 120, computer terminal 140, an intercom, and/or a stationphone of facility system 102. In some embodiments, network server 160may generate or update a GUI notifying user(s) 125 of the task. Networkserver 160 may send updates and reminders to the user(s) by generatingor updated the GUI. Network server 160 may also recalculate or updatethe determination of selected user(s) 125 based on events, such as lackof acceptance from previously selected user(s) 125.

In step 510, network server 160 may receive confirmation of acceptanceand/or start of the assignment. In some embodiments, network server 160may automatically determine that user 125 has acknowledged the task ifuser device 120 associated with a user 125 indicates that the user 125has accessed or viewed the notification for the task. In someembodiments, network server 160 may determine acknowledgement andacceptance based on an input received from user 125 via user device 120.In some embodiments, network server 160 may determine thatacknowledgement acceptance based on one or more RTLS sensor devices. Forexample, network server 160 may determine user 125 accepted a task basedon user 125 being located proximate the task. If no indication ofacceptance is received after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., about5 minutes), network server 160 may send a reminder notification to theselected user(s) 125 to ensure receipt. In some embodiments, if there isno acceptance from selected users 125, network server 160 may alter thedetermination of the selected user(s) 125 and send notifications toadditional user(s) 125 in step 508 to increase chances that the task iscompleted.

In step 512, network server 160 may start a timer and monitor an alertstatus of the assignment. For example, network server 160 may monitorthe situation to determine whether the task is completed. In someembodiments, the monitoring of the completion may be based on whetheruser 125 indicates that the task is completed. In some embodiments, themonitoring of the completion may be based on RTLS data, for example,indicating that the transported patient and/or item reaches thedestination. Network server 160 may also generate an alert status basedon the assignment pending for a time period longer than a predeterminedtime period. For example, network server 160 may determine whether theassignment has not been accepted or whether the assignment was acceptedand not executed. In step 514, network server 160 may determine thepresence of an alert status.

In step 516, network server 160 may generate a GUI for one or moreselected user(s) 125. For instance, network server 160 may generate theindication by generating or updating a GUI including the status. Theindication may be transmitted to one or more of user device 120,computer terminal 140, and/or third party server 170, similar to step710. Selected users 125 may include requestor of step 502, selectedusers of steps 506-508, supervisors, and any other interested users 125.

In step 518, network server 160 may update a database. In someembodiments, network server 160 may record the identity of user 125 thatreceived the notifications in step 706 and/or completed the task insteps 708 and/or 712. Network server 160 may also record the type oftask, date, time, duration of task, and/or any other details of theperformance of the task. In some embodiments, the network server 160 mayupdate the database pursuant to each step 502-516. The data may bestored in one or more of one or more of database 180, memory 250, memory340, and database 470.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example of a user interface 700,consistent with disclosed embodiments. Processor 220, 330 may displayuser interface 700 in response to a command by user 125 seeking totransport a patient and/or item (e.g., at step 502). After user 125inputs data pertaining to the request, processor 220, 330, may generatea data packet for the task request, and transmit it through network 150to server 160, database 180, other computer terminals 140, and/or otheruser devices 120.

User interface 700 may include a number of different data fields relatedto a request. The data fields may include requester information 702,task information 704, available employee information 706, qualifiedemployee information 708, and schedule information 710. As furtherdepicted in FIG. 7, requester information 702 may include data fieldsfor a name, an extension, and a department of the requester. Taskinformation 704 may include task type, patient/item, transport type,location, destination, and priority. For example, information 702, 704may provide data for steps 502 to process a task request. Availableemployee information 706 may include one or more employees that may beassigned to the task and a status for each of the employees. In someembodiments, available employee information 706 may be auto-populatedfrom one or more of database 180, memory 250, memory 340, and database470, and may be, for example, provided to step 504. Qualified employeeinformation 708 may include a subset of the employees of availableemployees 706. In some embodiments, qualified employee information 708may be determined by network server 160, for example, in step 506.Schedule information 710 may include an input, received from the user,to schedule the job. Preferably, the requested task may be scheduled forthe current time, but can also be delayed according to input intoschedule information 710.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example of a mobile device interactivegraphical user interface 800, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Interface 800 may be provided, for example, on display 310of user device 120 to provide user 125 access and/or management oftransporting job functions. In some embodiments, interface 800 mayprovide a home menu with a plurality of icons that provide access totransporting job functions, for example, the home menu may include a jobrequest icon 810, a messages icon 820, a break icon 830, a mini tasksicon 840, and a logout icon 850. Transport tracking user interface 800may also provide a task bar 805 including a home icon 860, job requesticon 810, and messages icon 820. When user 125 selects an icon 810-860,user device 120 may display additional user interfaces to provide accessand/or management of transporting job functions. For example, in someembodiments, when user 125 selects break icon 830 user device 120 maydisplay a break user interface (not shown) that allows user 125 toindicate whether user 125 is going on either a lunch break of ascheduled break. Network server 160 may process and update the datapertaining to the specific user 125. In some embodiments, user device120 may display one or more additional user interfaces associated with atransport request. For example, user device 120 may display a userinterface detailing a new or current transport request, and provide oneor more user-selectable buttons for accepting or bypassing the transportrequest (not shown).

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a job status interactivegraphical user interface 900, consistent with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, job status user interface 900 mayprovide a job progress button 910, a resume job button 920, and a canceljob button 930 that may allow the user 125 to access data and managepending jobs. For example, job progress button 910 may be selected tocause generation and display of data fields detailing the currenttransport job, such as a patient name field 911, a date of birth field912, an isolation field 913, an original location field 914, adestination field 915, a mode of travel field 916, and a travelrequirements field 917. Data fields 911-916 may be dynamically generatedbased on the patient and/or item to be transported. For example, when atransport job for an item is received, job status user interface 900 mayprovide data fields that display specific information for the item.Resume job button 920 may be selected to enable user 125 to resume a jobthat is currently pending, and cancel job button 930 may be selected toenable user 125 to cancel a job that is currently pending. Job statususer interface 900 may also provide task bar 805, as discussed withregard to FIG. 8, which may indicate the current user interfacedisplayed.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example of a push notificationinterface 1000, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.For example, network server 160 may display push notification interface1000 on one or more user devices 120 to provide an immediatenotification to one or more users 125. As illustrated in FIG. 10, pushnotification interface 1000 may overlay other user interfaces, such asinterface 800. Network server 160 may data transmit associated with pushnotification interface 1000 to be automatically displayed on a pluralityof user devices 120 in order locate an employee. Push notificationinterface 1000 may also be generated based on other statuses related totransport requests, such as indicating a change in a job status or analert condition detected for one or more jobs.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of theembodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification andpractice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the describedimplementations include hardware, firmware, and software, but systemsand methods consistent with the present disclosure can be implemented ashardware alone.

Computer programs based on the written description and methods of thisspecification are within the skill of a software developer. The variousprograms or program modules can be created using a variety ofprogramming techniques. For example, program sections or program modulescan be designed in or by means of Java, C, C++, assembly language, orany such programming languages. One or more of such software sections ormodules can be integrated into a computer system, non-transitorycomputer-readable media, or existing communications software.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations or alterations based on the presentdisclosure. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modifiedin any manner, including by reordering steps or inserting or deletingsteps.

1. A computerized system, comprising: at least one user interface; atleast one processor; and a storage medium comprising instructions that,when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform operationsincluding: receiving, at the at least one processor, a first set of datarelated to at least a first request of a department; receiving, with theat least one processor, a second set of data related to positioning of aplurality of employees of the department and equipment in the possessionof the plurality of employees; generating, with the at least oneprocessor, an assignment for at least one employee based on the firstset of data and the second set of data; providing for display at the atleast one user interface, an interactive graphical user interfaceindicative of the assignment to the at least one employee, the graphicaluser interface including elements for indicating a status of theassignment; monitoring, with the at least one processor, whether theassignment has been accepted based in part on interaction with thegraphical user interface; and determining, with the at least oneprocessor, whether the assignment has been completed based in part oninteraction with the graphical user interface.
 2. The computerizedsystem of claim 1, wherein the first request includes a transportationrequest of a patient or an item.
 3. The computerized system of claim 1,wherein the generating the second set of data is based on a real timelocating system.
 4. The computerized system of claim 1, furtherincluding generating, with the at least one processor, a third set ofdata related to positioning data of equipment of the department, whereinthe assigning is further based on the third set of data.
 5. Thecomputerized system of claim 4, wherein the generating the third set ofdata is based on a real time locating system.
 6. The computerized systemof claim 4, further including determining, with the at least oneprocessor, equipment currently in possession of the plurality ofemployees based on the third set of data, wherein the generating theassignment is based on the equipment currently in possession of theplurality of employees.
 7. The computerized system of claim 1, furtherincluding: receiving, with the at least one processor, a fourth set ofdata indicative of a second request of the department; and comparing atleast one of a first origin and a first destination of the first requestto at least one of a second origin and a second destination of thesecond request to generate a fifth set of data, wherein the generatingthe assignment is based on the fifth set of data.
 8. The computerizedsystem of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface is displayed ona mobile device.
 9. A computerized method comprising: receiving, at theat least one processor, a first set of data related to at least a firstrequest of a department; receiving, with the at least one processor, asecond set of data related to positioning of a plurality of employees ofthe department and equipment in the possession of the plurality ofemployees; generating, with the at least one processor, an assignmentfor at least one employee based on the first set of data and the secondset of data; providing for display at the at least one user interface,an interactive graphical user interface indicative of the assignment tothe at least one employee, the graphical user interface includingelements for indicating a status of the assignment; monitoring, with theat least one processor, whether the assignment has been accepted basedin part on interaction with the graphical user interface; anddetermining, with the at least one processor, whether the assignment hasbeen completed based in part on interaction with the graphical userinterface.
 10. The computerized method of claim 9, wherein the firstrequest includes a transportation request of a patient or an item. 11.The computerized method of claim 9, wherein the generating the secondset of data is based on a real time locating system.
 12. Thecomputerized method of claim 9, further including generating, with theat least one processor, a third set of data related to positioning dataof equipment of the department, wherein the assigning is further basedon the third set of data.
 13. The computerized method of claim 12,wherein the generating the third set of data is based on a real timelocating system.
 14. The computerized method of claim 12, furtherincluding determining, with the at least one processor, equipmentcurrently in possession of the plurality of employees based on the thirdset of data, wherein the generating the assignment is based on theequipment currently in possession of the plurality of employees.
 15. Thecomputerized method of claim 9, further including: receiving, with theat least one processor, a fourth set of data indicative of a secondrequest of the department; and comparing at least one of a first originand a first destination of the first request to at least one of a secondorigin and a second destination of the second request to generate afifth set of data, wherein the generating the assignment is based on thefifth set of data.
 16. The computerized method of claim 9, wherein thegraphical user interface is displayed on a mobile device.
 17. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted, cause one or more processors to perform operations comprising:receiving, at the at least one processor, a first set of data related toat least a first request of a department; receiving, with the at leastone processor, a second set of data related to positioning of aplurality of employees of the department and equipment in the possessionof the plurality of employees; generating, with the at least oneprocessor, an assignment for at least one employee based on the firstset of data and the second set of data; providing for display at the atleast one user interface, an interactive graphical user interfaceindicative of the assignment to the at least one employee, the graphicaluser interface including elements for indicating a status of theassignment; monitoring, with the at least one processor, whether theassignment has been accepted based in part on interaction with thegraphical user interface; and determining, with the at least oneprocessor, whether the assignment has been completed based in part oninteraction with the graphical user interface.
 18. The computer-readablemedium of claim 17, wherein the first request includes a transportationrequest of a patient or an item.
 19. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 17, wherein generating the second set of data is based on a realtime locating system.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, theoperations further comprising generating, with the at least oneprocessor, a third set of data related to positioning data f equipmentof the department, wherein the assigning is further based on the thirdset of data.